Running a marathon is a life changing event for many and for most one will be enough. Then there are those marathon loving runners that quiet happily run 26.2 miles for fun, I for one will hold my hand up and say that marathon running is very addictive.

Ask any runner what their favourite marathon is and you’ll be hard pressed to find a few answers the same. Everyone’s experience is biased to them with the achievements they make and the PB’s that get made, for some just the sheer fact that they have finished or the amount of money they have raised for charity is rewarding enough. Ask the supporters how they feel about marathons and they’ll probably tell you there’s a lot of waiting around, and sometimes not in the best weather.

Many runners are now combining holidays with running marathons, known as ‘Marathon Tourism’. The world is a wonderful place and what better way to see it than run through it; many are centred around beautiful landmarks, historical sites and stunning scenery.

Overseas marathons can range from 40,000 runners making their way round one of the world major’s like Berlin and New York to those more adventurous marathons like the Great Wall of China or through the Himalayas.

Here at LateDeals we’ve put together our top holiday destination marathons, not only can you tick your first or another marathon off your bucket list but you can also enjoy a holiday in the sun.

The Marrakech Marathon is held in January and the route follows the Medina ‘old city’ walls where you’ll get to take in palm tree plantations, orange and olive groves of the Menara Gardens along with camel farms. You’ll be running against a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains which on a clear day look stunning.

Held in March the Limassol Marathon is now one of Cyprus’s major sporting events, this flat course is run along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. The start and finish point is in the stunning historical centre then along the coast to the ruins of the ancient city of Amathus which is home to Aphrodite’s temple, before heading back the city and to the new harbour. This is an ideal beginners marathon as the course is entirely flat, it also appeals to those looking to set a new personal record.

The Majorca Marathon is held in October every year and starts under the shadow of the impressive La Seu cathedral, it then heads into Palma’s backs streets and cobbled roads where you can marvel at the city’s landmarks. The final few miles sees you running along the promenade with the Bay of Palma in sight.

If you’re running a marathon this year, how has your training been going? Is this your first or have you ran a marathon before?